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DC Catholic Church Sues Metro for Rejecting Christmas Ads

Representatives of the Archdiocese of Washington and the ACLU tell Mark Segraves why they disagree with Metro's refusal to sell space for Christmas ads on buses. (Published Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017)

The Archdiocese of Washington has filed a federal lawsuit against Metro after the transit agency refused to sell space on buses for Christmas fundraising ads, citing its ban on "issue-oriented advertising."

The suit filed Tuesday argues that Metro is "hostile to religion" and violates the Archdiocese's right to freedom of speech and free exercise of religion by rejecting the ad. The design says "Find the perfect gift" and shows shepherds and sheep, as in a classic Nativity scene.

"WMATA’s ban on advertisements that promote or oppose any religion, religious practice or belief has established a regime that is hostile to religion," the suit says. "The ban effectively silences any viewpoint that might challenge commercialism or consumerism or attempt to emphasize the religious reason for the season."

Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly said rejecting the ad was in line with the agency's policies.

Prosecutors unveiled the full statement in court on Thursday against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, who is accused of fabricating a racist and homophobic attack against himself in a bid for publicity.

(Published Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019)

"In 2015, WMATA changed its advertising policy to prohibit issue-oriented advertising, including political, religious and advocacy advertising," she said in a statement. "The ad in question was declined because it is prohibited by WMATA’s current advertising guidelines."